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July 4th Ridgewood Emergency Service

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Emergency Services had its full complement of volunteer members, equipment and assisting agencies to ensure the safety of those attending the morning July 4th Parade and the evening Fireworks. According to Acting Chief Ryan Savaria, the officers start planning for the day’s events immediately at the conclusion of this year’s events. “Starting with an after-action report of the event, we evaluate the activity, look at best practices and where we can improve.” “There are lessons learned at every incident”. We take these lessons and implement corrective actions for subsequent events. 

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Travell Elementary Has An App for the Ridgewood 4th of July Parade

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Every year during the 4th of July parade in Ridgewood, NJ local schools compete to have the best float in the parade. This year, Travell Elementary has a connected component to its float, a free AppStore app for your iPhone or iPad.

Continue reading Travell Elementary Has An App for the Ridgewood 4th of July Parade
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RIDGEWOOD 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

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Thursday, July 4, 2019

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE TRADITION!

Ridgewood NJ, Please join us for the 109th annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4th, 2019.

Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held among the town’s elementary schools.

Continue reading RIDGEWOOD 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
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Ridgewood’s July Fourth: Jerry DeSimone always loved this time of year

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BY ALEXANDRA HOEY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

RIDGEWOOD – Ridgewood’s July Fourth Parade would not be nearly as remarkable or prominent throughout the state if it weren’t for Jerry DeSimone. Committee President for at least 15 years, DeSimone transformed the festivity into a public-funded event with entertainment, fireworks and big name guests, including Buzz Aldrin, Bobby Thomson and Ken Taylor.

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Once again Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee puts on a great show !

Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee

photos by Boyd Loving

July 5th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, It takes a lot of effort to host a parade and fireworks ,the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee who oversees yesterdays 106th annual Independence Day celebration in Ridgewood had its first meeting way back in September.

The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is organized by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee, a private all-volunteer group. The Committee is not part of the Village government and receives no funding from the Village.The Committee, was originally called the Ridgewood Independence Day Association, was formed in 1910.

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The Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee was up at the crack of dawn to deliver water to the parade route, put markers at the staging area and set up for a volunteers’ breakfast that starts at 7 a.m. Groups lineup around 8am .

Ridgewood’s parade has over 100 groups that march in it and, together with a fireworks display in Veterans Memorial Field later that night, and can cost over $100,000 . Security and the fireworks themselves are some of the biggest costs, with all of the money for the celebration coming from ticket sales, business sponsorships and private donations.

And of coarse in Ridgewood in time honored tradition , eager residents begin reserving spots along the parade route weeks in advance marking their spots with folding lawn chairs.

photos https://www.facebook.com/theridgewoodblog/

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Ridgewood 4th of July Parade : “America the Beautiful – Celebrating 100 Years of our National Parks”

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courtesy of the Ridgewood Police Department

Happy Fourth of July

The parade Begins 10AM (Rain or Shine) at South Monroe Street and Godwin Avenue
The theme of our 106th annual celebration is:

“America the Beautiful – Celebrating 100 Years of our National Parks”

This years theme honors the creation of the National Park Service through the Organic Act of 1916 signed by President Woodrow Wilson and originated by President Theodore Roosevelt. Each year, the Fourth of July Celebration Committee chooses a theme that celebrates a certain aspect of American history or culture. The theme also serves as the basis for the float competition held during the parade.

Although national parks have existed since 1872, the creation of the National Park Service established a unified organization to oversee the natural and historic treasures of the United States and ensure their continued preservation and enjoyment for future generations. According to the National Park Service, there are more than 400 parks, monuments, recreation areas and other federal sites under its management. Other notable facts include:

The first national park was Yellowstone National Park founded March 1, 1872
292 million people enjoyed the nation’s national parks in 2014
The National Park System covers more 84 million acres across US States and territories
President Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not what we have that will make us a great nation; it is the way in which we use it”

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Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration !

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FOURTH OF JULY PARADE 10AM TO NOON – FIREWORKS – TICKETS ON SALE –
Fireworks Tickets
Monday, July 4, 2016

Alternate Date – Tuesday, July 5th

Veteran’s Field, Ridgewood, New Jersey Entrance gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM

While the Parade is free, Fireworks Tickets are required for entrance to Vet’s Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $10. Tickets will be on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ridgewoodjuly4.net/evening-entertainment-fireworks/buy-tickets/ for $11.00 each including shipping and handling.

Tickets will be on sale at the following vendors for $10 each. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

  • Backyard Living – 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood
  • Bergen News Plus – 890 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
  • Chestnut Catering & Deli – 25 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood
  • Connect One Bank – 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
  • Custom Cut Salon – 239 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park
  • Daily Treat Restaurant– 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 2:00 PM
  • Goffle Brook Farm– 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM
  • Hillman Electric Inc. – 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
  • Hogan’s Restaurant & Diner – 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park
  • Hoskins Propane – 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood
  • Ridgewood Auto Wash Co. – 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock
  • Ridgewood Cycle Shop – 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood
  • Town & Country Apothecary – 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood
  • Uncorked Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM
  • The Wine Seller – 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.

Gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM. No Dogs allowed – Village Ordinance 1689

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We Mourn the Loss of Gerald F. DeSimone – True Patriot

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We Mourn the Loss of Gerald F. DeSimone – True Patriot

This is one of the saddest emails we’ve ever had to send. One of our own Patriots has departed G-d’s earth and we are wounded with this great loss.Gerald F. DeSimone, 82, of Wanaque, formerly of Ridgewood, entered into eternal rest on February 10, 2016. Survived by his wife Patricia nee Stankan, his daughters, Erika, Andrea and son in law Bryan Daly.

Editors note: Gerry ran the Ridgewood 4th of July Committee for years, he is probably best known for bringing Buzz Aldrin to a Ridgewood 4th Celebration. Gerry was a personal friend of this blog and instrumental to its founding . Through Gerry I meet Rep. Scott Garrett, yelled at Tom Kean Jr, fell out with Kevin J. O’Toole and had many fun filled adventures in New Jersey politics. 

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 20th at 10:00 am at the Church of the Nativity in Midland Park.

Gerry was a Korean Veteran.  A wonderful husband and family man.  He was an unselfish fellow who helped many conservatives in Bergen County with his heart and head. It’s truly a sad day for us all especially for those who had the pleasure of meeting and working with him.

Gerry was instrumental in the formation and growth of NJTPC; he was the creative force in our having the July 4th Float in the Ridgewood Parade – a tradition we have been keeping since the inception.   He always had time to support the very basis for good government – small, lean and honest politicians. He did not tolerate fools gladly; his talk was straight and unabashedly true to conservative ideas and ideals.  We are so very fortunate to have known him and his influence will remain with NJTPC as it should.

Our sincerest condolences for Pat and his family as well as other friends and associates. He contributed to the NJ Tea Party Coalition as a Board member who knew how important our constitutional liberties are.

Rest in Peace Gerry – you will be in our hearts forever!

NJTPC Board

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Local Veteran Receives Korean War Honor At Ridgewood 4th of July Parade from NJTPC

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July 4, 2015

RIDGEWOOD, NJ , Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) honored Korean War Veteran and Wanaque resident Thomas Falato, during today’s flag raising ceremony, which traditionally starts the Annual Ridgewood 4th of July Parade.  Reaching the rank of Corporal, Mr. Falato served in the Second Korean Winter of 1951-1952, where his many medals included the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953 and the U.S. Army reserves from 1953-1957.

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“What better time of the year to be reminded of what great country we live in, then to pay tribute to our veterans, especially those who fought in the dangerous and often inhospitable battle conditions of Korea,” said Garrett while presenting a congressional resolution to Mr. Falato, which recognizes his dedicated and unselfish service to his country.

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Born and raised in Hackensack, Mr. Falato has stayed active in veteran activities, serving as Post Commander of Korean War Veterans Association Taejon Chapter #170 in Saddle Brook.  He is also a retired manager from Verizon.

Mr. Falato’s complete list of medals and honors:

Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars

Army Good Conduct Medal

United Nations Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Combat Infantry Badge

 

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Rep. Scott Garrett Visits with Constituents During the Ridgewood 4th of July Parade

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Congressman Garrett, Thomas Falato and his lovely family

On this day 239 years ago, our Founding Fathers articulated the ideals of human liberty to the world and declared themselves free of the shackles of an oppressive monarchy . Today we still celebrate this momentous occasion not only out of tradition, but because every July 4th marks another year that this great experiment in democracy and freedom has persevered.

I’m proud of our country, and I’m humbled to represent the great people of New Jersey’s Fifth District.

Happy Independence Day!

Rep, Scott Garrett

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Tickets for July 4th Ridgewood Fireworks!

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July 4th Information – Buy Tickets for July 4th Fireworks!

The Parade begins at 10am and is free. The Fireworks (Vets Field opens at 6pm for entertainment & skydivers) requires tickets for entrance to the Field. Donations for Fireworks Tickets is one of the Celebration’s largest sources of income. Tickets are available for advance purchase at stores for $10. Tickets are on sale at the gates for $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. Buy your tickets in advance for big savings! Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

Tickets will be on sale at the following vendors for $10 each. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

•Backyard Living – 235 Franklin Avenue, Ridgewood

•Bergen News Plus – 890 Prospect Street, Glen Rock

•Chestnut Catering & Deli – 25 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood

•Connect One Bank – 171 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

•Custom Cut Salon – 239 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park

•Daily Treat Restaurant– 177 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 2:00 PM

•Drinks Wines and Spirits- 607 N. Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM

•Goffle Brook Farm– 425 Goffle Road, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 5:00 PM

•Hillman Electric Inc. – 133 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

•Hogan’s Restaurant & Diner – 20 Central Avenue, Midland Park

•Hoskins Propane – 523 Goffle Road, Ridgewood

•Ridgewood Auto Wash Co. – 450 South Broad Street, Glen Rock

•Ridgewood Cycle Shop – 35 North Broad Street, Ridgewood

•The Wine Seller- 6 West Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood – Open July 4th until 4:00 PM

•Town & Country Apothecary – 60 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood

At the gate tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for Children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted for free. Buy your tickets in advance and save.

Patrons and belongings will be subject to security checks by Police Department personnel when entering Veterans Field. Alcohol is not permitted. There will be 2 lines at the gates, one for those with bags and one for those without bags. Expect delays. All gates will close at 9:00 PM.

Gates open at 6:00 PM and close at 9:00 PM

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A Ridgewood tradition: Reserving spots for the parade

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JULY 3, 2015    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW SCHNEIDER
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

This weekend includes one of the highlights of my family’s year: the Ridgewood Fourth of July parade.

Though I am a resident of Waldwick, my family and neighbors have been attending the parade for as long as I can remember; my father was raised in Ridgewood. As such, he knew firsthand how great the parade was, and made sure that we attended.

In a day filled with celebrations, floats, barbecues and fireworks, some of the smaller aspects can get lost in the shuffle.

One of the most important parts of getting ready for the parade seems rather inconsequential, but is very necessary: the laying out of chairs.

My father recounted how he and his friends were amused in the late 70s when people felt the need to put their chairs out the night before; nowadays, people are known to do so two weeks in advance. As the popularity of the parade has grown, so too has the anticipation, causing people to lay out their chairs earlier and earlier.

Considering that my family and friends have been sitting in the same spot for as long as I can remember (across the street from Graydon, near the corner of Maple Avenue), putting out chairs has become an important part of our parade preparation. However, laying out the chairs is just the beginning.

By laying claim to the area with chairs, we are able to set up our inflatable Bud Light couch, which became rather well known. Politicians marching by have complimented it, with a particular highlight occurring when then-Gov. Christie Todd Whitman left the parade route to come over and admire the couch.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/a-tradition-of-reserving-spots-1.1367868

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The Ridgewood Fourth of July is looking for volunteers for the Parade and Fireworks

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June 8,2015

Be a Part of the Tradition

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Fourth of July is looking for volunteers for the Parade and Fireworks. Please volunteer as a parade marshall or for the evening program. All volunteers receive a signature Ridgewood Fourth of July t-shirt and a free ticket to the evening entertainment and fireworks. As we are a non-profit we can also offer community service hours to students. Please contact us on Facebook, at RidgewoodJuly4th.com or attend our volunteer meeting Wednesday, July 1st at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse. The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration is an all-volunteer organization supported entirely by private donations. Support the Tradition.

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Ridgewood 4th of July Parade Start Time Changed to 9:45 am

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file photo Boyd Loving

Ridgewood 4th of July Parade Start Time Changed to 9:45 am


Ridgewood PD: Please be advised that the parade will start 15 minutes early at 9:45 am to take advantage of current weather forecast. Please adjust you plans accordingly. We will do our best to keep everyone updated.